Sports
Nigeria Customs Service Ushers in New Leadership for Women’s Team Ahead of 2026 CGC Volleyball League
Joel Ajayi
National senior women’s team player Bethel Ogownma has been named the new captain of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Volleyball Club ahead of the second phase of the 2026 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, Ogownma will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim (1st assistant captain) while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as 2nd assistant captains.
Onikeku said the leadership changes became necessary following the addition of new players to the squad and the team’s successful title-winning campaign last season.
He said; “Bethel Ogownma is the new captain and will be assisted by Maryam Ibrahim as first assistant captain, while Toyosi Abdulraheem and Verity Onyegwu will serve as second assistant captains.
“I want to thank the previous captains for their efforts last season and leading the team to win the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League unbeaten. Rafiat Mustapha will join the female coordinators appointed last season.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service currently leads the women’s standings after the first phase of the league.
Onikeku said; “The Nigeria Customs Service is currently topping the women’s category after the first phase. We strengthened the squad before the start of the league, while some players also moved to other teams.
“The team is ready to defend its title and perform even better in the second phase.”
Onikeku also praised Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) board members Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) and James Datuhun for their contributions to the development of volleyball in the country.
He said; “I want to commend the continuous efforts of NVBF board members Chinedu Onikeku and James Datuhun for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of volleyball in Nigeria.
“Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by athletes and coaches across the country.”
Bethel Ogownma won the Best Women’s Libero at the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League and Best Libero 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Championship Accra.
On the other hand, Maryam Ibrahim won the 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League, emerged Best Outside Hitter and won the 2025 SVC in Ghana.
Ibrahim won the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier, emerged Best Receiver and placed 3rd at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Ghana.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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